Del Monte, Washington State Cherry Growers & Specialty Potato Alliance

Aug. 14, 2011

While the debt crisis keeps most of the country’s eyes on the White House, one company is focusing squarely on a green one.

Del Monte Fresh Produce recently finished constructing 16 greenhouses in Guatemala, and is now producing and shipping tomatoes to North America. The facilities are state-of-the-art, eco-friendly, and efficient. Vice President of Marketing, Dennis Christou, stated, “Greenhouse products are more consistent in quality and supply, produce a greater yield, and are generally grown in more environmentally friendly conditions.”

It’s a sweet deal with a cherry on top… but it might not be that way for long.

Washington state cherry growers will vote in November on whether to continue their federal marketing order. The continuance referendum must be held once every six years, and requires a two-thirds majority from either the growers or producers in order to pass. The agricultural marketing service will be taking votes by mail.

The Specialty Potato Alliance is introducing its newest product, organic fingerling potatoes.
The potatoes are being grown in California and Colorado, and are expected to elevate sales in Canada, where they are in high demand. The new program will allow consumers increased product availability year round. Alliance member, Scott Pursel stated, “We have been working hard since 2009 to increase our yields to accommodate a vibrant year-around program. We’ve accomplished this with our conventional fingerlings and we should be able to duplicate those efforts with our organic program within two years.”